The Mario & Luigi series has long been a fan favorite for its unique blend of RPG gameplay and charming, humorous interactions between its titular brothers. With the release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership on November 7, 2024, the franchise returns to the spotlight, bringing a fresh adventure to the Nintendo Switch. After spending time with the game, we’re giving it a solid 8/10 – a worthy installment for longtime fans, with new features that elevate the experience while retaining what makes this series so beloved.
Story And Setting
In Mario & Luigi: Brothership, the dynamic duo embarks on an adventure to save the world of Concordia, where a sinister force called Glohm is transforming people into isolated, strange creatures. As Mario and Luigi work to undo the chaos caused by this mysterious energy, they encounter both familiar faces—Princess Peach, Bowser—and new characters, including Connie, who adds a new dimension to the narrative. The story maintains the lighthearted tone that has defined previous titles, while introducing deeper stakes that will appeal to both new players and long-time fans of the series (Wikipedia) (Nintendo of Europe AG).
Gameplay And New Features
The heart of Mario & Luigi: Brothership remains its turn-based RPG combat, but the game introduces several new mechanics that make it feel fresh. One of the most exciting additions is the Battle Plugs system, which is akin to the badges or battle cards found in previous Mario & Luigi games. Battle Plugs allow players to customize their combat abilities by equipping different upgrades that provide stat boosts or unique actions during battle. This new system adds a layer of strategy, as players must choose the right combination of plugs for various challenges (Super Mario Wiki).
The Attack Combos are another standout feature. These allow both brothers to work in tandem during combat, performing powerful combined attacks like the “Red Shell” or “Yoo Who Cannon.” This mechanic not only makes battles more dynamic but also underscores the importance of teamwork between Mario and Luigi. These new attacks remind us of the Bros. Attacks from Superstar Saga, which were always a highlight of the series.
The game also brings back fan-favorite elements like Bros. Attacks, where Mario and Luigi combine their strengths to unleash powerful moves, and Emergency Guard, which helps protect the brothers when one is downed in battle Super Mario Wiki. These mechanics offer a satisfying level of depth for players who enjoy tactical RPGs.
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Visuals and Music
On the visual front, Brothership doesn’t reinvent the wheel but does offer bright, colorful environments that keep in line with the series’ aesthetic. The character models are charming, and the world of Concordia is filled with interesting designs and quirky animations. The music is also a highlight, with a lively, whimsical score that complements the game’s lighthearted atmosphere (Nintendo of Europe AG).
Mario & Luigi: Brothership Improvements
While Mario & Luigi: Brothership brings a lot to the table, it does feel somewhat familiar at times. The core gameplay is very much in line with what we’ve seen in previous entries, especially Superstar Saga and Partners in Time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for players expecting something radically different, the game might feel a bit too comfortable. Additionally, some of the puzzles and platforming sections can be a bit repetitive, especially if you’re used to the more action-oriented platforming in other Mario games
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Mario & Luigi: Brothership Review
Overall, Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a strong entry in the Mario & Luigi franchise, offering a fresh but familiar experience that builds on the mechanics players know and love. The Battle Plugs system, combined with dynamic Attack Combos, gives the game a modern twist while keeping the essence of what made the series so popular. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it’s still a highly enjoyable RPG that will keep fans of the series entertained for hours. We’re giving it an 8/10 – a solid, enjoyable RPG with just enough new features to make it worth checking out.
